IT was a day to remember for eight local gymnasts, finishing second at the Judges Invite meet at Eclipse Gymnastics last weekend.

It was yet another successful day for the Hamilton and District Gymnastics Club, returning with multiple medals from the event.

Gabriella Bennet, Anabelle Colliton, Jorja Hardy, Mischa Thomas finished second in the Level 3-Division 3 section, while Taylor Crane, Emme Pollock, Ruby Spong and Tyler Tuckey were runners-up in the Level 4-Division 3 ranks.

Club head coach, Tamela Lowrey said it was an ideal way to start the competitive season.

“We really had no idea, because of COVID we have had one competition in two years,” she said.

“They were all Melbourne clubs, we were the only regional club competing.

“They were stoked to get medals.

“It has been tough, two years of slogging away and not competing, it is good to finally be back into it to see what the hard work leads to.”

The girls range from nine years to 12 and have been training for years with more improvement possible within the group.

Lowrey said it was this age range where you often see the most growth and improvement in gymnasts.

“You have to work your way through the levels from level one up and they generally start at six years old,” she said.

“They will stay in the same division all year then next year they will hopefully move to the next level.”

Despite having a smaller club and less coaches than Melbourne set ups, Lowrey said it was a mixture of things which helped the locals achieve success at these events.

“I think our squad performs well due to a combination of disciplined and hard-working athletes, dedicated and supportive parents and a team of coaches who absolutely love their jobs,” she said.

The group will now continue training hard ahead of the next event, the Stawell Invitational, on August 13.

The Hamilton club’s invitational is scheduled for October 8, while the Portland Invitational will be on October 29.

The club is also hoping to qualify for the Victorian Championships, which are set for October 22, but will need a strong performance at the West Regional Championships on September 3.

The competitive season winds up on November 12 with the Natimuk Invitational.